Yulu Marks National Road Safety Month With Rider Awareness Rallies In Bengaluru And Delhi

· In Bangalore the rally was flagged off by Inspector R. Veeresh of the Vivek Nagar Police Station and covered key junctions across Vivek Nagar, Koramangala and surrounding areas

Reinforcing its commitment to safer roads and responsible riding, India’s largest shared EV mobility tech company Yulu, organised rider awareness initiatives in Bengaluru and Delhi as part of the National Road Safety Month campaign spearheaded by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).

Aligned with this year’s theme, “Sadak Suraksha, Jeevan Raksha” (Road Safety Saves Lives), Yulu conducted a two-wheeler EV rally in Bengaluru and participated in a government-led road safety rally in Delhi to promote traffic discipline and health awareness among riders.

The company kicked off its campaign in Bengaluru with a 5-kilometre anti-drug and road safety awareness rally, joined by 30 police officials. The rally was flagged off by Inspector R. Veeresh of the Vivek Nagar Police Station and covered key junctions across Vivek Nagar, Koramangala and surrounding areas. The officials engaged with fellow road users and local residents, highlighting the importance of personal well-being and responsible riding.

In Delhi, Yulu participated in a two-wheeler rally organised by MoRTH and Delhi Traffic Police at Connaught Place. The rally was flagged off by Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic), DK Gupta. It saw participation from around 200 riders — including Yulu users and delivery partners — who interacted with commuters to reinforce the importance of road safety awareness.

Over the last eight years, Yulu has promoted road safety through multiple platforms and formats including in-app and WhatsApp-based safety notifications, training videos and on-ground workshops conducted in partnership with local police departments.

“Enabling people to navigate cities safely and securely is a vital part of Yulu’s mission. Therefore, we work closely with all relevant stakeholders — from delivery brands to gig workers and transport officials — to sensitise communities to the importance of responsible and safe riding,” says Mr RK Misra, Co-founder and President - Ecosystem Partnerships, Yulu.

One example of this can be seen in Yulu’s largest market, Bengaluru, where the company has deployed trained safety Marshals at major junctions to guide riders and ensure compliance with traffic rules, at the request of the Bengaluru Traffic Police. These, and numerous other initiatives, underscore Yulu’s ongoing efforts to foster safer and healthier urban communities.

Croma Unveils Blockbuster Republic Day Sale with Unbeatable Deals On Apple, Samsung And More

* Apple iPhone 17 drops to ₹47,990*, iPhone 15 to ₹31,990*, MacBook Air M4 gets student‑exclusive pricing, and big-ticket savings arrive on Samsung Neo QLED, TCL TVs and more

Croma, India’s most trusted omni‑channel electronics retailer, has announced its highly anticipated Republic Day Sale, bringing a wide range of blockbuster deals across smartphones, laptops, televisions, large appliances and audio products, with offers available across leading brands. The sale is now live across all Croma stores and continues until January 26th.

Customers shopping across Croma stores can unlock bank cashback, exchange bonuses, special student pricing, and easy EMI options, making this one of the year’s most value‑packed electronics sales. All prices and offers vary depending on brand, model, store, day, city and availability, and are subject to applicable bank or finance partner terms. Additionally, customers holding a HDFC TATA Neu card can save up to 10% on select Apple products, further enhancing this season’s offer.

As part of the smartphone line-up, Apple devices see some of the strongest price advantages this season. During the Republic Day offers, the iPhone 17, launched at ₹82,900, is available at an effective price of ₹47,990. How to get this offer:

Exchange your old smartphone for up to ₹23,500 (depending on condition and model)

Avail a flat ₹2,000 bank cashback

Get an additional ₹8,000 exchange bonus

Similarly, the iPhone 15, available at a market price of ₹59,900, can be purchased at an effective price of ₹31,990. How to get this offer:

Exchange your old phone for up to ₹14,000

Get ₹1,000 bank cashback

Receive a ₹4,000 exchange bonus

Adding to the smartphone excitement, there are unmissable offers on Samsung S25 model.

Samsung S25 can be availed at ₹50,499 by exchanging your S24 for up to ₹24,500*

Samsung S25 Ultra can be availed at ₹79,999 by exchanging your S24 Ultra for up to ₹43,000*

Samsung Z Fold 7 can be availed at ₹1,09,999 by exchanging your Z Fold 6 for up to ₹58,000* *depending on condition of the model

Croma is also extending strong offers in the laptop category. The MacBook Air M4 is available at a special student price of ₹55,911, which is a significant drop from its original pricing. How to get this offer:

Get a ₹10,000 bank cashback,

Exchange an old laptop or PC for up to ₹13,000 (depending on the device)

Receive a ₹10,000 exchange bonus

In addition, the HP Omni book 5 13th Gen PC, which costs ₹80,067, can now be availed at an effective price of ₹48,130 by combining:

Exchange value of up to ₹2,000

A bank cashback of ₹2,500

Receive an exchange bonus of ₹4,000

Beyond smartphones and laptops, Croma’s Republic Day Sale brings compelling offers across home appliances and entertainment:

The Samsung Neo QLED 65", originally priced at ₹1,75,000, is now offered at ₹98,990*

TCL 55" QLED TV, priced at ₹98,990, is available for just ₹38,990*

Fully automatic 9KG front-load washing machines start at ₹31,290*

Marshall Bluetooth speakers* are available at up to 35% off

Buy Select ACs and get assured freebies worth up to ₹11,500

“Republic Day presents a key shopping moment for Indian households as customers look to invest in meaningful upgrades for their homes and personal use. With our Republic Day Sale, we have curated some of our strongest offers across categories, supported by best deals and benefits, so that customers can shop with confidence and value backed by expert in-store guidance for a fulfilling experience,” said a spokesperson from Infiniti Retail Ltd.

The Croma Republic Day Sale will run across all Croma stores nationwide.

Zigly Celebrates Pets And Parents At Pet Fed Bengaluru; Showcases Range Of Holistic Pet Care Solutions

Zigly (Cosmo First Limited), India’s first tech-enabled omnichannel pet care brand, showcased its integrated veterinary care, grooming services, and comprehensive pet nutrition portfolio at the 11th edition of Pet Fed held at KTPO Trade Center, Whitefield, Bengaluru. At the two-day event, Zigly exhibited its entire ecosystem of products and services for pet parents and their pets in one immersive experience.

Zigly’s participation in this year’s Pet Fed reinforced the brand’s commitment to responsible pet parenting by offering a complete, one-stop pet care solution under one roof. From health consultations with expert vets to fun and engaging activities, new product category showcases, grooming essentials, and wellness picks, the comprehensive showcase came together in one exciting space. This pet-oriented event created meaningful engagement with pet families and the wider pet welfare community, raising awareness around preventive health and seasonal care.

Speaking about Zigly’s participation in this year’s Pet Fed, Mr. Saurabh Jain, CEO, Zigly, said, “Building on the success of last year’s event, Pet Fed Bengaluru witnessed an overwhelming participation of pets and their parents. These events serve as a quintessential platform for us to engage with the Zigly community, analyse the evolving trends and demands, and offer products and services that are tailor-made to the consumers’ needs. We are delighted to be a part of India’s largest pet festival, where we can promote responsible pet care, holistic well-being, and offer easy access to expert-led guidance.”

Zigly at this edition of Pet Fed Bangalore showcased its expansive product range across categories such as Applod Treats & Wet Food, Biscuits, Fresh Food, Broths, Bowls, Leashes, Collars & Harnesses, FurPro Grooming Range (shampoo, conditioner, perfumes, pee pads), and Cat Essentials (litter & treats). Additionally, Zigly, at the event, unveiled the Applod Dry Food range to pets and pet parents ahead of the commercial launch. Applod Dry Food is a high-quality, research-backed dry food designed for Indian climatic and lifestyle needs. Developed with veterinarians and nutrition experts, the new formula supports pets’ gut health, immunity, and coat quality, and will be available in Puppy and Adult variants, in 150 gm, 2 kg, and 4 kg packs. The range strengthens Zigly’s journey toward becoming India’s most trusted nutrition-first pet care brand.

Enhancing the experience for pets and their parents, Zigly, at Pet Fed Bengaluru, provided free health check-ups, gave a discount of 25% on vaccination packages, 20% off on elective surgeries, and offered its Prime Club membership at Rs 249. In addition, Zigly offered free grooming, such as bath and blow dry for pet shopping worth Rs 999, and an opportunity to participate in a lucky draw.

The event was a true celebration of the pet community, bringing together pet parents, industry experts, and animal lovers for non-stop fun and learning. As this year’s Pet Fed Bengaluru wraps up, Zigly’s expanded offerings and engaging initiatives set the stage for even more evolved, community-first experiences in the future.

About Zigly:

Zigly is a leading omnichannel ecosystem for pet care, offering comprehensive Veterinary care, best-in-class pet spa and grooming services, pet fashion, pet food, and more. With multiple Petcare centres across India, including Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida, Bangalore, Secunderabad, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Jaipur, Indore, Dehradun, Chandigarh, Panchkula, Amritsar, Ahmedabad, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Mumbai and Pune, Zigly is expanding its physical presence by opening new centres in other major cities. As a direct-to-consumer (D2C) pet care brand under the umbrella of Cosmo First, Zigly is committed to providing innovative solutions for Pet Parents. Visit your nearest Zigly Pet Care centre, log on to www.zigly.com, or download the Zigly App to discover the Zigly experience today.

About Cosmo First Ltd.:

Established in 1981 by Mr Ashok Jaipuria, Cosmo First Limited is an over four-decade-old global conglomerate. Its consumer vertical comprises Cosmo Consumer, which is into Window Films, Paint Protection Films & Ceramic Coatings for automobiles, and Zigly Pet Care, which provides a digital-first omni channel pet care ecosystem. Its industrial vertical includes Cosmo Films for specialty films for packaging, labels, lamination, and industrial applications; Cosmo Speciality Chemicals for coatings, adhesives and masterbatches, and Cosmo Plastech for rigid packaging. With sustainable innovation, development, and research embedded in its core values, Cosmo First serves customers in 100+ countries.

Happiest Minds Run 2026 – Run Miles Bring Smiles In Bengaluru

Bengaluru witnessed an early morning surge of energy and enthusiasm as Happiest Minds Technologies successfully concluded the 6th edition of the Happiest Minds Run on 18th January 2026 at St. Joseph Indian High School, opposite UB City. The event saw the participation of over 2000 people, coming together for a morning centered on fitness, purpose, and collective action.

This year’s run carried a deeper purpose, with proceeds directed toward supporting children living with Type 1 Diabetes through Idhayangal Charitable Trust. By combining movement with meaning, the Happiest Minds Run reinforced the idea that community action can create real, lasting impact.

Joseph Anantharaju, CEO & Co-Chairman of Happiest Minds, said, “The sixth edition of Happiest Minds' run reflects our belief that collective action, driven by empathy, can change lives. Seeing 2000 plus people come together for a cause that supports children and families is truly inspiring. The run today stands as a powerful expression of commitment toward health, consistency, and community impact.”

Following the Bengaluru edition, the Happiest Minds Run will continue across multiple cities, with events scheduled on February 7, 2026, in Bhubaneshwar; February 8, 2026, in Pune and Madurai; and February 15, 2026, in Noida and Hyderabad, extending the initiative’s focus on health, inclusion, and social impact nationwide.

The Happiest Minds Run was proudly supported by AON, RBL Bank, ICICI Bank, Federal Bank, Decathlon, Happiest Health, Sakra, TATA Soulful, DKMS, and Happiest Physio.

YES Bank Delivers Robust Q3 Performance With Sharp Rise In Profitability, Strong Granular CASA, Improved Margins & Better Asset

Key Highlights:

· Profit After Tax for Q3FY26 at INR 952 crore, up 55.4% Y-o-Y & 45.4% Q-o-Q.

· Q3FY26 Operating Profit (Adjusted for Gratuity impact) at INR 1,389 crore, up 28.7% Y-o-Y and 7.1% Q-o-Q

· NIM for Q3FY26 at 2.6% v/s 2.4% in Q3FY25 and 2.5% in Q2FY26

· Non-Interest Income for Q3FY26 at 1,633 crore, up 8% Y-o-Y

· RoA in Q3FY26 at 0.9%, up from 0.6% in both Q3FY25 & Q2FY26; excluding gratuity impact RoA at 1.0%

· Net Advances in Q3FY26 stood at INR 2, 57, 451 crore, up 5.2% Y-o-Y and 2.9% Q-o-Q

· Total deposits stood at INR 2,92,524 crore, growing 5.5% Y-o-Y, with continued outperformance in CASA Deposits

· CASA Ratio at 34.0% v/s 33.1% in Q3FY25 and 33.7% in Q2FY26

YES BANK has announced its Q3FY26 results, reporting a 55.4% YoY increase in Profit after tax to INR 952 crore. The bank’s operating profit (Adjusted for Gratuity impact) increased to INR 1,389 crore, marking an improvement of 28.7% YoY and 7.1% QoQ. The Net Interest Income (NII) for Q3 FY26 was INR 2,466 Crore, up 10.9% Y-o-Y and 7.2% Q-o-Q. The Net Interest Margin (NIM) for the quarter stood at 2.6%, up 20 bps Y-o-Y and up 10 bps Q-o-Q. Non-Interest Income stood at INR 1,633 crore, up 8.0% Y-o-Y.

The Bank successfully reduced its Cost-to-income Ratio sequentially for the sixth consecutive quarter, reaching 66.1% in Q3 FY26. The Return on Assets (RoA) for Q3FY26 improved to 0.9%, up from 0.6% in both Q3FY25 and Q2FY26

The balance sheet continued to show positive momentum. Total Deposits grew by 5.5% YoY to INR 2,92,524 crore. The CASA ratio rose to 34%, from 33.1% in Q3FY25. Net Advances registered a growth of 5.2% YoY and 2.9% QoQ to INR 2,57,451 crore.

Commenting on the results and financial performance, Mr. Prashant Kumar, Managing Director & CEO, YES BANK said, “Q3FY26 marks a breakthrough quarter for the Bank powered by a confluence of factors such as acceleration in profitability, sharp improvement in Asset Quality, gathering momentum in business volumes (disbursements) and continued industry-leading performance in CASA.

The Bank’s Quarterly RoA (excluding the gratuity impact) has touched the critical milestone of 1.0% for the first time since reconstruction. At the operating level, this has been driven by expansion in NIMs, buoyancy in Fee income and a tight control over operating costs. In addition to this, the net credit costs for the quarter were negligible, supported by an eight-quarter low slippage at 1.6% of advances and continued redemptions from the Security Receipts portfolio.

Strengthening CASA ratio despite a challenging industry backdrop is aiding sharper improvement in Cost of Deposits vis-à-vis peers. Moreover, with disbursement momentum gathering pace, particularly in Retail, we expect to see acceleration in growth over the coming quarters. Aided by these tailwinds, we remain firmly on course to deliver on our strategic objectives and build a resilient, high-quality franchise that creates long-term value for the stakeholders.”

YES BANK was included in the NIFTY BANK Index effective December 31, 2025. In Q3FY26, YES BANK opened 33 new branches and 76 branches in 9MFY26 so far, achieving 95% of the full-year target of 80 branches. The Bank secured one of the largest government mandates in custodial services by being appointed as Custody Services Provider for The Trustees Food Corporation of India Contributory Provident Fund (TFCICPF).The Bank was also recognized by BSE as a top performer in Custodian Clearing, reinforcing leadership in capital market operations.

ABOUT YES BANK

YES BANK, a full-service commercial bank headquartered in Mumbai, offers a wide array of products, services, and digital solutions, catering to Retail, MSME, and Corporate clients. The Bank operates its Brokerage business through YES SECURITIES, a subsidiary of the Bank. The Bank has a pan-India presence including an International Banking Unit (IBU) at GIFT City, and a Representative Office in Abu Dhabi.

For more information, visit website at https://www.yes.bank.in/

Nethradhama Under The Aegis Of Karnataka Ophthalmology Society And Bangalore Ophthalmology Society Hosts Phaco Festival 2026

* The event showcases India’s Next-Gen Eye Surgery Innovations

* Dr. C. N. Manjunath, Member of Parliament, Bengaluru Rural and Former Director, Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, Bengaluru, inaugurated the Phaco Festival 2026, the 10th edition of India’s leading global conferences on ophthalmology

* The conference focuses on sharing knowledge, improving surgical skills, and showcasing the latest innovations in cataract and refractive eye surgery

Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital, under the aegis of leading ophthalmology bodies – the Karnataka Ophthalmology Society (KOS) and the Bangalore Ophthalmology Society (BOS), hosted the 10th edition of Phaco Festival, one of the leading international conferences on ophthalmology, in Bengaluru. The event was inaugurated by the Member of Parliament, Bengaluru Rural, and the Former Director, Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, Bengaluru, at the Hilton Conrad, who highlighted India’s growing role in advancing eye care and medical innovation.

The three-day conference, being held from January 16 to 18, 2026, is bringing together leading ophthalmologists, surgeons, and medical technology experts from India and across the world to discuss advances in cataract and refractive eye surgery through scientific sessions, expert interactions, and technology showcases. This year, Phaco Festival 2026 is being held under the theme, “The Art and Science of Ophthalmic Practice,” focusing on blending clinical expertise, technological innovation, and evidence-based learning to advance safe and high-quality eye care.

The event witnessed expert participation from over 10 countries, spotlighting the latest ophthalmic innovations through immersive hands-on sessions and interactive presentations. A dedicated technology showcase will feature device manufacturers, IOL developers, laser technology providers, and AI-driven tools that enhance surgical precision, improve patient safety, and elevate standards of care.

The conference will also honour excellence in ophthalmology by recognising distinguished clinicians for their outstanding contributions to the field. As part of the awards ceremony, Prof. Dr. Michael Knorz from Germany will be conferred the prestigious KR Murthy Oration Award, while Dr. Ruth Lapid-Gortzak from Amsterdam will be presented with the Gold Medal, acknowledging their significant global impact and leadership in advancing ophthalmic practice.

Phaco Festival 2026 will feature the launch of several state-of-the-art ophthalmology technologies, including the ZEISS ARTEVO 850 Digital 3D Microscope for high-definition visualization, the EVA Nexus Phaco-Vitrectomy System for seamless cataract and retinal procedures, and the VisuMax 800 for SMILE surgeries. Femtosecond laser platforms such as the Ziemer Neo Z8 with Supra CLEAR premium intraocular lenses like the Naturo Toric Introcular EDOF Lens will also be showcased. Together, these innovations demonstrate how data-driven precision and intelligent surgical technologies are transforming outcomes, enhancing patient safety, and redefining the future of eye care in India.

Speaking at the inauguration, Dr. C. N. Manjunath said, “There is a strong need for more platforms like Phaco Festival that enable continuous learning and meaningful collaboration with global experts. Such forums help clinicians stay aligned with international best practices and emerging technologies. As India continues to strengthen its healthcare ecosystem, initiatives like these will play a critical role in positioning the country as a global hub for medical education, innovation, and high-quality patient care.”

Commenting on the Phaco Festival, Prof. Dr. Sri Ganesh, Founder and Chairman & Managing Director, Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital, and Organising Chairman of Phaco Festival, said, “Phaco Festival focuses on strengthening standards of eye care through evidence-based learning, continuous skill development, and the safe adoption of new technologies. Over the years, it has evolved into a global platform where ophthalmologists learn from one another and continuously raise the quality and safety of surgical outcomes. This edition carries that commitment forward, with a strong focus on practical learning that directly translates into better, more reliable care for patients.”

The conference features surgical demonstrations, expert lectures, panel discussions, and hands-on training sessions. Key areas of discussion include advanced cataract surgery techniques, artificial intelligence in ophthalmology, new intraocular lenses, and technology-driven improvements in patient care.

Dr. Supriya Sri Ganesh, Executive Director, Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital and Organising Secretary of Phaco Festival, said, “It is encouraging to see such strong participation from ophthalmologists across India and international faculty at Phaco Festival 2026. The conference provides an excellent opportunity to learn from global experts and understand how emerging technologies can be effectively integrated into clinical practice. Our aim is to ensure that innovation ultimately translates into safer procedures and better vision care for patients.”

With over thousands of delegates, including senior clinicians, young ophthalmologists, academicians, and industry leaders, Phaco Festival 2026 continues to reinforce its role as India’s premier platform for fostering collaboration, surgical excellence, and the next generation of ophthalmic innovation.

France's Rebel Bagel Brand, Bagelstein Lands Boldly In Bengaluru Targets 100 Stores By 2029

Europe's cheeky bagel cult favourite opens 3rd India store with Franchise India

Bagelstein, France's bagel pioneer founded in 2011, today unveiled its third India store at Pyramid Food Court in EGL Business Park, Bengaluru. Following successful debuts in Hyderabad and Delhi's in 2025, the brand brings its signature handcrafted bagels, premium coffees, and playful personality to India's Silicon Valley—a top hub for global F&B brands where the organized food service ranks #3 after Mumbai and Delhi-NCR, with 110,000+ outlets and 8-13% CAGR growth.

Bengaluru's mind reader Abhishek Majitya joined as special guest, toasting the launch with Bagelstein's signature creations.

The new outlet will offer Bagelstein's signature oven-fresh bagels, decadent spreads, stacked sandwiches, and delicious desserts—paired with artisanal coffees. True to its mischievous DNA, the space fuses European aesthetic with playful quirks that embody the brand's "Seriously, not serious" spirit.

Riding India's Café and Bagel Boom
India's youth are shifting from traditional eats to Western indulgences, with the café market surging 15-20% annually and Bengaluru leading for experiential dining. This growth catalyses the introduction of global chains like Bagelstein, which plans 100 stores across Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and more by 2029.

Gaurav Marya, Founder & Chairman, Franchise India, said: "Bagelstein's cheeky bagels and bold vibe perfectly match India's emerging youth craving gourmet café indulgences—one naughty bite at a time."

"Bengaluru's vibrant food scene is perfect for our bagels, an emerging disruptive snack category. From Hyderabad to Delhi and now Bengaluru, we're toasting bold flavours and building a cult following.” added Ravish Malhotra, Area Developer, Bagelstein Bengaluru.

Bagelstein's Bengaluru launch fortifies its foothold in India's booming QSR and café scene, captivating young diners who crave global zing, premium bites, and a fun vibe.

About Bagelstein
Started in Strasbourg, Bagelstein operates 100+ European outlets, blending authentic bagels (45% sales), desserts (35%), and drinks (20%) with humor and quality—ready for nationwide scale in India. For more information on the brand please logon to https://www.bagelstein.in/ .

About Franchise India Brands

Asia's largest integrated Franchise and Retail Solution Company since 1999, with an absolute authority on Franchising, Retailing and Licensing, empowering brands like Barcelos to expand in India.